The Memory Tree

by Linda Gillard

I suppose if we live in a world where grown men throw bricks at intelligent, articulate women, anything is possible.

I was put in mind of a quotation from Romeo and Juliet, the scene where the mortally wounded Mercutio jokes with Romeo. He says, ‘Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man.’ That is how William Hatherwick seemed to me. A grave man.

We’re sisters now. Sisters in misfortune.’

‘Would a man without memory be a happy man?’